category: Once Upon a Time
ships: captain swan (mainly), outlaw queen, snowing, captain charming.
genre: romance/comedy
rating: T
summary: (AU) "TiMER. The newest technology developed to countdown the days until you met your one true love." Emma Swan has had her TiMER for over 10 years now and it still remains blank, reminding her that her happy ending isn't as close as she had hoped. Having her friends find their perfect matches can be disconcerting, but perhaps the arrival of an old friend who is lacking a TiMER of his own might lift her spirits. (based off the movie TiMER)
Yes! I got this done before the finale! Sorry for the hold up, it was just one of those weeks at school :( I hope this second chapter lives up to the first one. I want to thank everyone who read the first chapter and review/followed. Thanks again.
The sun shone through Emma's window, signifying a brand new day to start everything over again. That is, if she could make it out of bed. She was lying on her stomach, eyes slammed shut to protect her from the sun that seemed to be mocking her for the massive hang over she procured after leaving Regina's house yesterday like a petulant child. She groaned, turning to face the door and away from the sun. She brought up her right wrist and looked at her TiMER to see if it went off while she was sleeping. Seeing the same blank numbers, her mind wandered to what happened at dinner.
She wasn't sure she if the feeling of throwing up was due to her pity party she threw herself last night, or because she was playing back how unfair she was to Regina in her head constantly. She knew Regina would be having a hard time with this, considering what that woman went through with who she thought was the love of her life, but to throw on how she acted towards her had to be the worst part. Regina was just like Emma, and maybe that's why they gravitated towards each other at the firm they both worked at.
So Emma knows that Regina must have been a complete wreck after everybody left her home, questioning herself and what this now means. Thinking this, made Emma want to stay in bed and not face anybody. She couldn't face this, or anybody after her breakdown.
She let out a loud groan as her mind drifted to the one person she made a complete fool of herself too, and the one she couldn't stop thinking about. Killian Jones. He was invited to a nice dinner between friends and what he got instead was the equivalent to the ending of Carrie, a disaster. (Although she didn't kill anybody, so that's a plus.)
Okay she might be overreacting (nothing new) but she shouldn't have acted out, especially in front of him. He probably thinks she's one of those lunatic TiMER girls who go from guy to guy, paying for their TiMER to see if he's the one. Like her whole life depends on what the clock says and everybody else around doesn't matter. God, why does she care so much what he thinks? She barely met him and had like a ten minute conversation, but she's already dreading the next time she'll have to see him. He'll probably make up excuses to not stay in the same vicinity as her.
Before she could come up with more agonizing scenarios, she heard a chime come from underneath her pillow, where she usually leaves her phone while it charges. Grabbing it and turning it over, she is met with 10 missed calls from Mary Margaret, 8 from David, and even 5 from Regina, along with 15 voice mail messages, and 20 texts messages. She rolled, before opening the latest one, which is from her mother.
Henry and I are getting a late lunch. Will meet you at the park at 12. Love you!
She smiled as she thought of her 10 year old son. The only good thing that came from the whirlwind romance with the last man that completely broke her. Not matter what, though, Henry remains to be the light in her darkness.
With a sigh and a hint of regret, she pulled herself out of the shelter of her sheets, and started to get ready for the day ahead of her. She had the whole day for her son, but first she had to get things straightened out with her friends.
And as for the blue eyed wonder she met last night, she'll put that in the back burner until she sees him again, which could be in a long long time.
She opened her brother's apartment door to see Mary Margaret standing at the counter making herself a cup of tea, like she does every day. Emma and Regina thinks she has a problem when it comes to tea, one that needs a serious intervention, but Mary Margaret stood by her choice of drink.
"I was wondering when you'd show up. I had money around this time, though David thought you'd be by later," The brunette said from her spot, not taking her eyes off her mug, stirring in the honey she added. Emma nodded and silently made her way to sit on one of the bar stools in front Mary Margaret.
"Well, I'm on my way to get pick up Henry, and I thought why not stop by," Emma said, turning in her chair to look around the apartment. "Is David not here?"
Mary Margaret shook her head, "He's at the station. They called him in this morning." Silence laid between them as Emma thought of what to say, but she was beat to the chance when Mary Margaret jumped in.
"You don't have to apologize to me about yesterday. I understand what was going on in your head and I know that me getting so hyped up for Regina sort of added salt to the wound, so I apologize for not considering that," Emma gave her a long look, but just nodded her head.
"I feel there's a but coming,"
"But, you know the way that you reacted added to some of Regina's apprehension of this whole thing, right?" Emma hung her head, feeling that nauseating feeling in the pit of her stomach. Just thinking that she was even just a drizzle in Regina's parade made her sick. They had made a silent agreement years ago, that just because everyone was getting there soul mates, they would stand together as the only two with blank TiMERS. If Emma felt any kind of betrayal from Regina's sudden live TiMER, Regina must have felt the same type of betrayal tenfold.
"I know, and I feel bad and disgusted and a bit confused, but I get it. It was not cool and I am planning on seeing Regina later," Emma sighed, looking at her friend. Mary Margaret narrowed her eyes to get Emma to say what she was really feeling, but that only had Emma roll her eyes.
"I'll stop by her place tomorrow night, I swear ok? I have the day planned with Henry today, so that's all I have my mind set on," There was another pause in the conversation as Emma kept her eyes on her hands folded across her ap. More importantly, she kept her eyes on her TiMER.
Without thinking, she said the words she had on her mind this morning when she woke up.
"It was blank again this morning, like every morning," her voice was so quiet that Mary Margaret wasn't even sure she said them. She turned to her strong willed friend, seeing the exhaustion and self-doubt weighed on the blonde's shoulder and she wished she could say something, anything to get her to realize that her happy ending is still on its way.
She covered Emma's hand with her own, startling the women in her seat. "Emma, it's okay to feel down about everything. You don't have to constantly put on a front to show you're strong, everyone knows you are," Emma ripped her hand from Mary Margaret's grip, stopping her from continuing her speech.
"Yeah, we're not doing this," she turned to the door, ignoring Mary Margaret's look of surprise.
"Emma,"
"No, we aren't doing this now, Mary Margaret!" Emma snapped. She took a look at Mary Margaret's confused and hurt expression and felt another wave of guilt.
"I'm sorry for snapping, but you just … got to let me handle this on my own," She said with a sigh, getting up from her seat and heading toward the door.
"Emma, you don't," Mary Margaret started but was cut short from Emma's dismissive wave.
"I didn't realize the time, I've got to get Henry from the park. I'll see you at Regina's tomorrow. Tell David I said hi," and with that, she left the apartment without letting Mary Margaret say goodbye.
"Yeah, that was the reaction I was expecting," Mary Margaret mumbled, leaving her place at the counter to move to the living room, silently praying that someone could help her realize that she doesn't have to alone.
If there was a machine that could let you hear anyone's thoughts, and honesty, give it a couple years and they just might, Emma's exact thoughts at this exact moment would be on repeat for everyone to hear.
What the fuck is my life right now?
These are her thoughts because at this exact moment, the moment she walked into the park entrance and saw her son, her beautiful, wonderful son playing on the jungle gym with another smaller brown hair kid, she also saw her mother at a park bench, throwing her head back laughing with the man next to her. Who is this man, you wonder?
Killian Jones. Killian fucking Jones, charming the pants off her mother.
Who does this guy think he is? And what the hell is he doing at a park? These were the only beginning questions that ran through her head as she made her way towards the two on the park bench.
"Mom?" she spoke up when she got close enough to her mother to hear. Ruth turned and smiled at her daughter walking towards her. She got up and smothered in a hug that could possibly break a couple of ribs. Over her mother's shoulders, she could see Killian, his smile stretching across his face and his eyes lighter as they held her own. She could feel her face flush and her stomach clench at the sight, but she pushed that aside to pull away from her mother to look at her instead.
She hasn't seen her mother smile that wide since her and David left home, "Emma! You look lovey dear, how are you?"
Now, that question wouldn't seem so out of place if it wasn't for the subtle gleam of consolation in her mother's eye and her worried tone.
"Oh god, did David tell you?! Jesus,"
"Now Emma, you know how your brother worries, don't get upset. Besides, I call him every week, and yesterday happened to be that day," Ruth explained calmly, before her face once again broke out into a huge smile, scaring Emma.
"Speaking of your brother, have you met Killian? I came here with Henry and saw him here and we had a little chat. You know he was your brother's friend, right?" Ruth said, pulling Killian from his spot on the bench and dragging him in front of Emma like she was displaying him. Emma narrowed her eyes at her mother, shaking her head at her lack of distinction.
"Yes, we met yesterday. It's nice to see you again Killian," Emma said politely, giving the man before a kind smile. Killian returned it, his hands in his pockets, nodding his head at her.
"Likewise, Emma. Though, I do admit, I did not expect to see you today. It is a welcoming surprise," he flashed his charming smile that even made her mom giggle like a love-struck school girl.
"What are you doing here, by the way? It seems a little odd for a grown man to just be hanging around parks," she was surprised by his loud laughter, followed by the sound of her own mother's laugh who, decidedly, took the side of the blue eyed man. Damn his charms.
"No, I assure you, I mean no harm. Actually I am here with-oof!" what Emma didn't see was the ball of green attack Killian's leg. She looked down to see his arm go around probably the cutest kid she has ever seen since Henry was that small. He looked around the age of 5, head full of dark chocolate curls and his face in a full blown smile shines brighter than the sun. He had dark brown eyes and rosy cheeks deep with the cutest dimples she has ever seen and he looked up at Killian like he was the hero of his persona story. She glanced at Killian to see his smile softer and full of adoration as he looked down at the small boy clung to his leg.
"What's the rush, lad? Nearly knocked me over with your strength! You got to be careful!" Killian laughed, picking up the boy and holding him in his arms. The boy giggled as Killian tickled his sides, begging for mercy in his small childish voice. "And don't be rude Roland, say hi to the lovely woman," Roland turned, leaning his cheek against Killian's head, waving shyly at the woman before him. "Hullo," Emma couldn't stop the grin stretching across her face.
Watching this man handle the boy with such care and love made Emma's heart warm and her stomach flutter. Her eyes drifted to her mother whose face was practically screaming, 'jump at your chance with this man, I know he has no TiMER!'
"Hey mom!" her head turned to her son who also rammed into her side in a huge hug. She brushed back his hair on his forehead and smiled even wider than before. Just seeing Henry gave her hope that this day might turn for the better, considering the already crappy morning she was having.
"Well, I should be on my way. I still have one more box to go through before I can officially say that I now am a New Yorker," Ruth said, moving to hug her grandson and daughter, even having the nerve to whisper, "go for it" in Emma's ear before turning to Killian.
"It was so nice seeing you again Killian, and it was nice meeting you Roland," Ruth said tickling the little boy's, or Roland's, neck leaving him in a fit of giggles and reaching to kiss Killian's cheek.
"It was nice seeing you too, Mrs. Nolan. And I will tell David to pass on my recipe onto you the next time I see him," he said charmingly, putting Roland on the ground, but ruffling his hair all the same. She turned to leave, but not before shooting her daughter another look, which Emma answered with a sarcastic smile. That woman was too nosy for her own good. She turned her head down to her son, running her fingers through his hair.
"You ready to go Henry?" she asked only to be shocked at the two voices stopping her.
"No!" Roland squealed along with Henry's refusal. Emma's eyes, wide with surprise turned to Killian, who tried to hide his smile at the boy standing in front of his legs. He dropped his hand on his shoulders and leaned his head down to scold him, but she could still hear his smirk.
"Roland, what did I tell you about interrupting other people's conversation?"
"But, Uncle Killy, we are still playing pirates! We were about to battle to see who get the ship!" Roland piped up, tugging at his uncle's pant leg, before turning to Henry. Henry nodded enthusiastically up at his mother.
"Yeah mom, can we stay just a little while longer? And then maybe get ice cream later?" Emma couldn't help it, she laughed looking at her son's puppy dog face.
"Are you trying to convince me by promising ice cream that I have to pay for?"
"My Uncle Killian can pay for it, can't you?" Now it was Killian's turn to laugh, both him and Emma sharing amused looks.
"Easy, lad. Firstly, we weren't invited and secondly, your father will have my head when he finds out I gave you sweets this early in the day. Again," sheepishly, he scratched behind his ear, a strange habit Emma took notice of.
"You mean if he finds out,"
"… If, if is good. Still, you weren't invited. You just can't intrude like that," He gives Emma an apologetic look that she smiles back at.
"You guys can come, right mom?" Henry said to Killian, looking at his mother for a response.
"Henry …" she said warningly, but Henry knew she was going to say yes anyway.
"What do you say lass? My treat, apparently," Killian spoke up from his spot, his hands still on Roland's shoulder who was giving her what she suspects is his puppy dog face, his brown eyes shining while he was pouting. Turning to her son she saw him sporting the same look. Damn everything.
"Fine, we'll go! Just, go play pirates and steal a ship, or whatever pirates do. We'll give you guys 30 minutes." Henry and Roland whooped and hollered as they ran to the Jungle Gym with talk about planks and swords. She watched them run and turned to Killian who was chuckling, looking at her. She rose an eyebrow in question.
"Cheeky little buggers, right?" He gestured towards the bench, taking a seat himself. She grinned, glancing back at the boys who were using sticks they found as make believe swords, laughing as they charged at each other.
"Yeah, you can say that," she took a seat right next to him, but put enough respectable distance between them. "So…Uncle Killy?"
He groans rolling his head back against the bench and she couldn't help but chuckle at his expression. "Only he calls me that, thank god. Please don't mention it to your brother, heaven knows he will never let me live that down,"
She nods in understanding. "It's funny, I thought he was your kid for a second there."
"Oh, no. I'm just the cool, devilishly handsome, bachelor uncle," he gave her a wolfish grin, obviously putting an emphasis on the fact that he was single. She tried to look indifferent but even she knew she couldn't stop the blush rising to her face at his heated gaze.
"Honestly, he's too cute to be mine. He takes after his mother," His face and demeanor grew softer as he turned his gaze from her, back to his nephew. She saw the nostalgic look that crossed his face and could feel the sadness emitting from him and, for some reason that made her heart ache for him.
"His mother?" she questioned, waiting for him to continue. He nodded absently and turned to her.
"My younger sister, Marian. She was just like him at that age. A bloody nuisance if you ask me, but it is what it is. She passed a few years ago in a car accident," he explained softly, as if saying them out loud would break everything around him. A part of her wanted to reach out and console him, hold his hand or something, but the other part of her, the rational part, told her not to. She doesn't know him that well and her walls prevent her from getting to close to anybody she could have a connection with. And she could feel that connection coming from Killian, and to say that that scares her would be an understatement.
And although she feels it would be better to run, she had a feeling she would regret it more than anything.
"I'm sorry," she answered, because what else can you say. He shook his head and glanced back at Roland before she went on. "Does he live with his father then?"
"Yeah, Robin. He's a good man, too good actually. He needs to live a little," he joked and she smiled, not realizing how bright his face can be when he talks about the people he cares about. She hates to admit it, but she likes it.
"He works often, so I take Roland off his hands for him. We either go here or for a hike, before we go back to my place for some pizza, junk food, and movies until he passes out and his father comes to pick him up," Killian chuckled, his tongue running against his bottom lip absent mindedly. Emma followed the action but quickly she pulled her eyes towards his eye so she wouldn't get caught.
"So, what about your family? I already know your brother, your mother, and your son," he glanced out to where the kids were playing again, to make sure they were being safe rather than just beating each other with sticks.
"Well, that's it blood wise. You already met Regina and Mary Margaret yesterday," she internally cringed, thinking about that dinner, "so, all that's left is our friend Ruby, but I'm sure you'll meet her later. Her and her doctor soul mate." Killian nodded, still keeping his eyes away from her.
Scratching behind his ear he turned towards her to ask another question, one he was apprehensive about. "And what of Henry's father?"
Emma could physically feel her wall board up stronger than ever as her face hardened. She could feel anger coursing through her veins as she thought of Neal, the one who left her and started her whole trust issues. "I don't want to talk about it," her voice was chill and hard as ice. Killian's eyebrows raised in surprise at her reaction, but nodded nonetheless.
"Okay," he answered simply, no trace of hurt or indignation in his voice. Emma closed her eyes and sighed, upset with how this probably took a turn for the worst. 'Why should you care' a voice from behind her sky high walls said. She shouldn't care, but she did.
"Look, I'm sorry for snapping it's just," she started but was interrupted by a hand on her shoulder, turning her head to see Killian giving her a reassuring smile.
"You don't have to apologize, Emma, I shouldn't have asked. I had no right," he said, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. She gave him a small smile in gratitude. They kept their eyes locked on each other as he let his hand linger, the air between them charged. She cleared her throat, looking away, breaking the moment while he slowly slipped his hand from her shoulder.
"While we are still on the train of apologizing, I am also sorry about yesterday. At the dinner. I was out of line and I shouldn't have stormed off made the whole situation weirder than it had to be." Killian chuckled before turning so his body was facing hers, moving just a bit closer to her.
"You don't have to apologize for what happened, darling. I get it. You were feeling upset and hurt, so you ran," he stated casually, as if he has known that fact about her his entire life. That thought irked her, but she wasn't sure if that was either a good or bad thing.
She smirked. "Really? And you know that for a fact?"
He smirked right back. "Yeah, I do. You're somewhat of an open book." She turned her body to face him and leaned her head on her hand that was balanced on the headrest of the bench.
"I haven't heard that line before, it's pretty good," she joked, and he threw his head in a guffaw.
"Oh, trust me, love. You'll know a line when you hear one," and with that remark, he gave her a wink that she felt all the way to her core. Her face felt heated and she was feeing the familiar feeling of running. He was getting too close and she needed to find a way out. She needed to deflect.
"Why don't you have a TiMER?" She blurted out, surprising him by the way he leaned back in shock, but a grin still etched on his face. 'Smooth, Emma.'
"What?"
"The TiMERS, you know? Why don't you have one?" she asked quietly, looking back out towards the jungle gym, feeling foolish for even asking that question.
"Would you believe they aren't as big in England as they are here?" he jested, easing the tension in the air. She laughed out at his joke, but shook her head.
"Not a chance."
"Okay, Okay. The truth is I never wanted one," his face took on a similar look her got when someone brought up her past. It had heartbreak written all over it and even though he is trying to hide it, she can still see it.
"But who says no to true love?" she asked in a peppy voice, imitating the lady who says those words on those never ending commercials. She could see the tension in his shoulders ease up, and his laugh brought her a good feeling in the pit of her stomach. Obviously, she was going insane.
"I'm not saying no. I would rather do it the old fashioned way, instead. You know, meet a pretty girl," he said bringing his hand to push her blonde tresses away from her face, making her catch her breath, "talk, get to know each other, have a few dates, and then decide myself if I want to spend the rest of my life with her."
His voice got soft towards the end as his eyes stayed on hers. His gaze was overwhelming, but the feeling to run seemed to fade from Emma, and it was replaced with something else. Something akin to longing, but she wasn't entirely sure. All she was sure of was that it felt comfortable. Right.
"And you would willingly go through that heartbreak if you find out later she isn't the one? If she found her true love and it wasn't you?" she said, tilting her head, trying to read him. His grin took on a sad tilt as he looked down.
"Well, what's life without the heartbreak?" he stated softly, keeping her eye contact, not willing to let go.
"What if you already met her? What if you just passed her on the street and you lost that chance to be happy?" He didn't answer right away and she thinks that maybe she said the wrong thing. Or maybe she was asking the question she has been asking herself in her acts of self-deprecation.
"I think I'll know who she is when I meet her." Something in the way he said those words, gentle and in quiet amazement set off her heart. She could feel it racing and she became hyper aware of how close he is to her. She could hear his breathing, and feel the heat radiate off his body warming her. His blue eyes seemed to darken and she can see the emotions projecting off his face and she couldn't deny that it both scared and thrilled her. She didn't know which one she should worry about most.
"Mom!"
"Uncle Killian!"
They were interrupted as both boy jumped on their respective guardians, breaking the tense moment with their rambunctious laughter. The adults laughed as the set them down and stood from the bench.
"So, Ice cream?" Henry asked, looking between both adults. His eyes stood on Killian as he raised an eyebrow in question. Roland giggled, covering his mouth with his little hands to try to cover it up. Killian laughed ruffling the tiny boy's hair, before meeting Henry's eyes.
"Aye, lad. Shall we go?" He turned back to Emma, flourishing his arm out to indicate it was her move. She chuckled and draped her arm over her son, leading her toward the exit of the park. Emma smiled as she heard him animatedly talk to Roland before letting him run ahead with Henry as the two boys ran ahead excited.
After hours spent at the dinner from across the park, filled with burgers and ice cream sundaes, Killian, Emma, Henry, and Roland were ready to go their separate waves.
"Well, time to go kid. I got us some movies to watch," Emma said, walking out of the diner with Killian and Roland right behind them.
"Yeah, we have to go to Roland. Apparently your dad got out of work early today, so I have to drop you off home," Killian said to the small boy whose face covered in chocolate sauce. "Perhaps I should rid of the evidence before your father gives me another lecture on your less than extraordinary eating habits," he said, licking his thumb to try to get some of the chocolate off of Roland's cheek.
"Yeah, you too kid. How is it that most of it made it on her face than your mouth?" Emma joked, pinching Henry's cheek. "How about you two go get cleaned up in the bathroom before we leave. We'll wait out here."
Henry nodded and grabbed Roland to go towards the restroom, leaving Killian and Emma alone once again.
"So, since we are alone for a moment, I was hoping to ask you something Emma," Killian started, standing in front of her. She felt her mouth go dry and her heart sped up for the fifth time this afternoon. He's going to ask her out, she knows it. He's going to ask her out and she is going to decline because this is too fast and she can't just jump into something this early. She can't.
"Listen, Killian, I-"
"Robin, Roland's father, is having some sort of grand reopening of his old bar now that he's back as the owner, and he wanted me to invite all of you. It's this Saturday, so I was hoping you can get the word to your brother and all of your friend, it would be much appreciated."
Well, shit, does she feel foolish.
"Oh," she tries not to hide her disappointment, but she knows it came out either way. He gave her a cheeky smile and cleared his throat to get her attention that seemed to have moved from him to the diner door.
"And, I was hoping, maybe, we could get lunch together some other time," he finished, giving her a gentle smile. Her eyes snapped to his and she knew he wasn't saying this out of pity; he really wanted to see her again.
"Really?" The disbelief was evident on her face as well as her voice. He shook his head and grasped her hand that was by her side. He played with her finger but kept his eyes on her face to show how serious he was.
"I don't know what it is about you Emma, but I am enthralled by you. And I'd like to see where this goes. Only if want, of course," he said, and she could see how nervous and shy he was and that only made her even more intrigued with this man. But was it worth it?
"I don't think that's a great idea. I mean, you are my brother's best friend you know," she said, trying to make light of this heavy situation.
"Yeah, I don't know why he tells everybody that. We weren't really close, honestly," she laughed at his blatant lie and pushed him playfully. His laughter died down as he gave her a curious look, obviously waiting for an answer.
He put the ball in her court, giving her the choice of the matter. The part of her heart, and her logical sense, was still telling her this was a horrible idea. He was David's best friend and this could either ruin their friendship indefinitely or at least put some strain on it, and she didn't, couldn't be the reason for that happening. Her romantic self, the one that is usually quiet, was asking her when the last time she had fun before today was. Maybe he could be the one to bring back the old Emma, or at least he could have a chance, if she was willing.
'What's life without the heartbreak?'
She came to her conclusion. "Yeah, I'd like that Killian." The smile that broke out on his face was simply breathtaking and she couldn't help smile in return.
"Mom, ready to go?" Henry's voice carried from where he was, stepping out of the diner, Roland on his tail running straight into Killian, who laughed at his enthusiasm.
"Can I have a piggy back ride home?" he asked his uncle sweetly, who of course, couldn't say no.
"Okay, say goodbye Roland. Perhaps you'll see Emma and Henry later," Killian said to the boy who was on his back and his little hands in his hair, holding on as if they were reins.
"Bye Henry! By Henry's mom! I had so much fun today!"
"I'm glad Roland. We'll see you soon, right Henry?"
"Yup! Bye Roland. Bye Killian, it was nice meeting you," Killian returned the same sentiment, and with a last look at Emma, turned to the right and headed off with Roland on his back. Emma stood at her spot with her son watching them make their way through the crowds of New York before she lost track of them. She turned just to see her son five paces away from her with a knowing smile on his face.
"What?" She asked, a little apprehensive at the look on his face. He just shrugged.
"I like him," was all he said as he turned toward their home a couple of blocks away, knowing his mom will be right behind him. She tilted her head at that statement before she went after him.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
She tried to play aloof and uninterested, but nothing was taking the warm smile that was on her face right now. And she, for once, wasn't afraid of what lied ahead.